Category: Motivation

The NBA playoffs are here again, and while Golden State looks to defend their title, we get to witness some of the world’s greatest athletes going head to head over the course of the playoffs. Sometimes we take that greatness for granted when we watch them play. It’s easy to say that those players simply have loads of natural talent, but we should remember that they beat out literally thousands of other players along the way to get to where they are. Natural talent is pretty random, but no one is born with an insane work ethic.

You can be certain that the players who’ve made it to the playoffs are some of the hardest working athletes around. That level of dedication is an inspiration to us all, but not everyone has the dream of an NBA career to keep them motivated. So next time you’re feeling unmotivated before your workout, use these tips to get you going.

Give Yourself Visual Cues

Keep your dumbbells in plain sight in your room. Leave your running shoes by the door. Prop your tennis racket in a corner you see every day. Visual cues send messages to your brain that can help keep working out in the forefront of your mind. The saying “out of sight, out of mind” is actually pretty true when it comes to fitness motivation.

Find A Workout Buddy (Or Two)

There’s no better motivation than getting a text from your friend asking if you’re coming to the gym today. Knowing that you’re missing out while your buddy is getting a workout in should make you think twice about that Netflix marathon you have planned. Plus, a little friendly competition never hurt anyone, and working out with a friend will give you the edge you need to push yourself. And having a bigger group can help you when one of your friends really can’t make it to one of your workouts.

Really Reward Yourself

If the only reward you’re giving yourself for working out is the knowledge that you’re in slightly better shape, then you might end up with some motivational problems. A vague overall goal simply isn’t as effective as something tangible that you can have directly after your workout. A smoothie, protein bar, or even a few episodes of your favorite show as a workout reward can help get you up and moving.

Identify What’s Stopping You

It’s easy to imagine how good you’ll feel after, and even during, a workout. However, we all know that doesn’t always get you out of bed. Take some time to really think over what’s stopping you from going to work out, and once you identify it, it’s easier to come up with a plan to keep yourself from flaking on your workout regimen.

You may not be an NBA superstar, but that doesn’t mean your fitness goals should be any less important to you. So check out our blog for more great fitness tips, and while you’re there you can find the protein bar that’s right for you.

Promax protein bars are for those of us that need energy for all of our fitness and workout goals. That’s why Promax partners with our Promax Ambassadors and DOers—the everyday people living life to the max, wherever they are and whatever they’re doing. Bikers, hikers, golfers, joggers, and anyone else who takes their fitness and their nutrition seriously are all part of the Promax team.

Today we’re highlighting Promax Ambassador Holly Perkins, a fitness expert with nearly 20 years of experience under her belt. After years of working with clients, Perkins discovered that strength training might be the cure for some of the most common and confusing fitness concerns facing women. So in 2013 she started the Women’s National Strength Nation movement to empower women to find the proper tools and knowledge for strength training and conditioning.

She’s also written a book, Lift to Get Lean, in which she teaches her special approach to training the female body. Men and women have different fitness needs, and Holly’s book guides women and helps them understand the theory of strength training, as well as providing motivational tips.

Holly started using Promax protein bars when she moved to New York in the 90’s and has been an avid fan ever since.

“Protein is extremely important to aid in recovery from workouts. I need an exceptional amount of protein for a gal. I love that Promax bars have substantial protein, but they taste like a candy bar. They are perfect with my afternoon tea from India!”

That’s why we were thrilled to team up with Holly to create the bar of her dreams. The Pro Series Peanut Butter Crisp bar was designed to support your body’s workout needs and put you in the optimal state for performance and recovery, all without sacrificing any of the great taste you’ve come to expect from a Promax protein bar. We love the taste, and Holly does, too.

“This bar tastes like a treat, and performs like a beast. I cannot say enough about the brilliance of this sports performance tool. The flavor is unreal with zero aftertaste. I have a sensitive stomach and can digest this bar with ease. I rely on this bar to fuel my workouts and recovery, and, look forward to it as a “treat” every day.”

Holly’s bar is just one part of her mission to give women around the world access to credible information from experts on every aspect of building a proper fitness program.

We’re already well into 2016, and your New Year’s resolutions may be as distant a memory as your six-pack. But health and fitness goals can be revitalized at any time. All it takes is a little rearranging of your views – and some tips from the experts – to make some real, lasting changes to your health and fitness regimen that will carry you through swimsuit season and beyond. Here are some tips for increasing your self-discipline and boosting your health and fitness goals:

Remove Temptations – Willpower is a lot easier to practice when the things that make us crumble are absent. That may mean taking the cookies, ice cream, and soda out of the shopping cart and leaving them at the grocery store, or replacing them with a healthy protein bar. Then, in your moment of weakness when you want a midnight snack, you won’t fall back into old habits, and you’ll feel better about it in the morning.

Reward Yourself – Experts say that rewards are responsible for three-quarters of what we do. So, remember to give yourself regular rewards when you accomplish your goals. It increases the likelihood that your habit will become ingrained. After a workout, reward yourself with a low carb protein bar or a gluten free protein bar, and you’ll be motivated to exercise again in the future.

Focus on One Goal at a Time – Trying to do too much at once depletes us and makes us less likely to incorporate new routines into our everyday lives. Focus instead on picking up a new, good habit and, once you’ve incorporated that into your daily routine, set your sights on another.

Planning and Scheduling Is Key – Instead of telling yourself “I will get into shape,” ask yourself, “How can I arrange my day so that I make time to exercise?” Start thinking about ways to incorporate exercise into your life in new ways, whether it’s walking during your lunch break, adding 20 minutes to your dog walk, joining a class at the gym with a friend, or hitting the gym before work instead of after.

Be Nice to Yourself – Celebrate your progress, and don’t beat yourself up if you have a misstep. You’re human. Beating yourself up makes you want to avoid your goals, over time.

There are many other techniques and tricks to increase your motivation – get more sleep, meditate, etc. The key is to find what feels right for you, and work slowly over time to incorporate it into your daily routine, as opposed to making broad, sweeping changes instantaneously. The experts at Promax Nutrition have plenty of other tips to get the most out of your workout, so don’t forget to bookmark the blog!